Wine Tasing at Stein Eriksen Lodge

Our ski trip was a little 'off' this year due to weather, family circumstances and the general duty that comes along with a vacation and a wedding. We were out of our known element so to speak. I took an opportunity to book an evening at Stein Eriksen Lodge with our family and the newly wed couple and some family friends. It took the edge off the trip a little and provided us a rare treat. I spoke with Cara, the Sommelier, a week before arriving to make sure she understood what SHE was getting into and to 'hook it all up' (a phase I borrow from time to time). Here is a little history on the Lodge.

Stein Eriksen is a legend and has built a wonderful atmosphere in the Deer Valley.  It's amazing to think that you can land in Salt Lake and be on the mountain in less than an hour.  Joel, Jacob and I have skied at Park City once and it was a blast.  Since we have had to join the ranks of schools and vacation restrictions, our MOJO is off.  Typically, we ski later in the year and not at the start of the season.  Thus, the weather issues.

Back to the tasting.  It was a fantastic evening of seven different wines, paired with different cheeses, smoked oysters, smoked salmon and salami.  It was interesting to taste wines from all over the world, old world style and new world style.  A true education.  We used words like 'Jammy' and 'Chewy'.  It was really awesome that she printed an entire Basics menu of descriptions that we could use.  The wine tasting was a blind tasting to avoid the typical 'expert' opinions of the more experienced tasters.  I thought that was a great idea and it actually got Joel involved by default.  It was actually a really great adventure that ended up being and unexpected taste of fun.  These were the wines we tasted:

Hugl Gruner Veltiner: Niederosterreich, Austria, 2008

Pazo Senorans Albarino: Rias Balxas, Spain, 2008

Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Chardonnay: Atalayas, Casablanca Valley, Chile, 2006

Fisher Unity Rose: Napa, California, 2009

Chateau Musar Cabernet-Cinsault-Carignan, Bekaa Valey, Lebanon, 2000 (old world style)

Penfolds Pinot Noir Reserve: Adelaide Hills, Australia, 2006

GraEagle Red Wing: Cabernet Sauvignon-Cabernet Franc-Merlot-Syrah-Petit Verdot, Walla Walla, Washington, 2006

It was the most amazing night.  Cara made non-wine drinkers really take note and fall in love with a wine.  There was something for everyone there.  It was amazing to taste different cheeses with the wines and uncover how fabulous each cheese, when paired correctly, really popped in your mouth!  We all had a great time and a treasured evening. 

Following our tasting adventure, we ate in the Glitretind Restaurant.  It is a five star experience with a down home feel (if that is even possible).  They really catered to us, however, we never felt stuffy or over fluffed.  It was a WONDERFUL evening.  I recommend the Risotto and the Australian Barramundi served with cous cous, green bean amandine, red ribbon sorrel, marcona beurre blanc.  FABULOUS.  I think I gained 20 pounds in one night.  It was incredible.  Joel had Elk meat for the first time and enjoyed it with his new found taste for Penfolds Pinot Noir.  I bet it made his experience more enjoyable.  I have to say, we have never been closer.